Bill > HB1285

This bill mandates financial education as a graduation requirement for public high schools in Washington state, recognizing the critical importance of personal finance knowledge for economic well-being. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, school districts must provide financial education instruction aligned with state learning standards, and starting with the graduating class of 2031, students must meet these financial education standards to receive a high school diploma. The bill builds upon previous efforts to support financial education, including establishing a public-private partnership in 2004 and adopting financial education learning standards in 2015. School districts are required to offer financial education through various methods such as scheduled classes, online learning, or career and technical education courses, and must publicize these opportunities to students and families. The state board of education will review and monitor financial education offerings, and the financial education public-private partnership will create a statewide implementation plan. The bill includes provisions for individual waivers for students who have recently moved to the state and ensures that charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools are also subject to these requirements. Importantly, the bill will become null and void if specific funding is not provided in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1285&Year=2025&Initiative=false